THE COMMON COLD

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4872, 18 July 1936, Page 8

THE COMMON COLD

o ■ SOME MEASURES FOR PREVENTION GENERAL TREATMENT (By Department of Health) It is a well-established fact that at the change of seasons, with the invariable sudden fluctuations of temperature, there are an unusually large number of persons suffering from colds, and so it is thought desirable to recapitulate advice in the prevention and treatment of this complaint. The common cold itself is often considered so trifling that vigorous individuals do not permit the disease to hamper their daily pursuits, and treat a cold as something to be shared. The result is that colds usually go through families, schools and business groups and rapidly become scattered in many different small epidemics throughout the community. The economical consequences are considerable, in that enormous numbers of people who acquire this disease lose efficiency for a short time, and this minor malady becomes one of grave importance. There are two kinds of colds—the cold caught from other people and the one contracted even though colds are not prevalent in the popualtion. People who have adenoids or diseased tonsils or are run down are likely to have either kind. Very few colds would develop into serious illness if the person who has the cold was wise enough to take proper care of himself for the first day or two. Rest in bed if possible,, or at least indoors, is advisable, if the patient feels weak, as weakness may be a sign of influenza. A laxative should be taken. . Plenty of water should be taken, and a light amount of simple, nourishing food. Breathing steam or using a mild salt-water douche, if the doctor advises it, may relieve the "stopped-up" feeling. At night, before going to bed, a hot bath, or at least a hot foot-bath, is recommended. After drying, the sufferer should be covered up in bed with extra blankets, so as to "sweat the cold out of the system." A hot drink, such as lemon, assists perspiration. When, besides the general symptoms of a cold, fever occurs, and the back of the legs ache badly, probably influenza is indicated, and a doctor's advice should be sought.

If neglected there is danger of a cold producing a much more serious respiratory disease, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The time is not yet come when we can persuade every one with a cold to retire from public contacts. Perhaps it is too much to expect in the case of a disease the uncomplicated form of which does not always force a person to go bed. However, if a sufferer should go out among his felows he should in common decency make every effort to protect I them. Every cough and sneeze should I be covered to prevent spraying the infection over helpless associates. Hands should be frequently washed to remove infection which might otherWise be passed on to someone else. Common colds are frequently followed by pneumonia, and this is particularly true in very young children. If a child has a cold it is safest to keep him in bed for a few days until the acute stage is passed. Colds should be considered as contagious and the same sort of care taken as with epidemic diseases. Babies and young children need sunlight as well as older people. Do not keep a well child indoors just- because it is cold out of doors. See that he is properly clothed and put him out where he will get the sunlight. It important to keep the rooms of the house at a moderate temperature. Air in the winter time is much drier than at other seasons, especially if the rooms are kept too warm, and is more irritating to the membranes of the air passages.

Keep the body built up by eating nourishing food, observing regular sleeping hours, exercising outdoors in the sunshine. The skin should be trained to stand changes in temperature by frequent bathing. After indulging in strenuous sports a brisk rub-down and change of clothing are essential. Sitting about with wet stockings and boots should be avoided by all. Wear sensible clothing. Over-heated, over-crowded and badly ventilated rooms should be avoided. Ah is filtered as it passes along the nasal passage on its way to the lungs. See a doctor if difficulty of breathing through the nose is experienced. Constipation predisposes to colds and should be vigorously combated by proper diet, exercise and regular habits and attention to bowel function. If you have a cold do not cough or sneeze over others, and so do your best to protect those about you from being infected.